The Ultimate Command

My
wife and I had a decision to make about our family car. Did we need a
new one or a “gently used” one, or should we repair our faithful
but tired sedan? For us as aging pensioners, was it time for a model
that would be easier to get in and out of? We also considered options
such as heated seats, a navigation system, and a host of add-ons with
price tags attached. Models, options, and whopping prices—what a
dilemma!

In
comparison, let’s consider what options we have for living as
followers of Jesus Christ. In the Christian life, what is nice to
include but not really necessary? And what, like the steering wheel
on a car, is absolutely essential? When we lived in California, air
conditioning was necessary. Could following God’s commands be
similarly regionalized and culturally adapted? Christ’s command to
his disciples the last time he ate with them is clear: “Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The
apostle Paul describes that love in some detail in 1 Corinthians
13, where we read, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not
envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. . . . Love . . .
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This
month let’s look into some more specifics of Jesus’ command to
“love one another.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, empower us by your Spirit to live with love in all our relationships, to the glory of God. May we honor you each day. Amen.